Spatial Analysis of Emergency Medical Services Data to Determine Drivers of Emergency Transports
Abstract
Background: Emergency Medical Services agencies have access to a wealth of patient data on emergency transports. These transports represent some of the most critically ill patients turning to a last resort for medical care. ... [ view full abstract ]
Background: Emergency Medical Services agencies have access to a wealth of patient data on emergency transports. These transports represent some of the most critically ill patients turning to a last resort for medical care. In order to better serve these patients, it is important to identify the factors that lead to higher rates of emergency transport in different geographic areas.
Methods: A spatial analysis using county, state, federal, and private data sources was conducted to identify drivers of high emergency transport volume in Contra Costa County during the first six months of 2015. Transport data was provided by the private ambulance provider which services a majority of the county. Publicly available data was used to describe neighborhood environments, including demographics, transportation accessibility, and health care access.
Results: At the census tract level, correlations were found between emergency transport rates and social and environmental factors such as percent living below poverty, educational attainment, and transportation frequency. Health care accessibility showed a mild correlation with emergency transport rates when linked to Medical Service Study Areas.
Discussion: Neighborhood factors have been shown to be drivers of health outcomes. In order to obtain the best possible health outcomes in urban settings, it is essential to examine health data in conjunction with neighborhood environment data to determine how agencies and service providers can better collaborate to create targeted interventions which will improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations in the community.
Authors
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Daniel Allgeier
(Contra Costa County Public Health Department)
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Abigail Kroch
(Contra Costa County Public Health Department)
Topic Area
V. Health indicators, spatial analysis and mapping: new tools, new methods 5.1 Spatial ana
Session
PS-3 » POSTER SESSION 3 (12:15 - Sunday, 3rd April, TBA)
Paper
ISUH_abstract_Allgeier.docx
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